IRONMAN Cozumel

This secluded gem of an island off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a beloved destination for beach-goers and IRONMAN athletes alike.

Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, Cozumel is located 16 kilometers off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo. Boasting the second largest barrier reef in the world, Cozumel has an international reputation as one of the premier diving destinations in the world. Thousands of divers and snorkelers visit every year to experience the 200 feet of visibility, countless species of fish, sponges, anemones and coral. If diving isn't up your alley, the island offers both adventure and relaxation at every turn: untrammeled jungle, white sand beaches, and a year-round Caribbean climate are just a few of the things athlete have to look forward to pre and post-race.

The two-transition course starts with a single-loop swim in water that is teeming with tropical fish within the protected waters of the Reefs of Cozumel National Park at Chankanaab Park Beach. The 180-kilometer, three-lap bike course in Cozumel is pancake-flat, taking competitors along the spectacular coastline of beaches and resorts and through the town of San Miguel de Cozumel. The three-loop run is lined with local supporters and bands playing traditional Mexican music, creating a festival-liked atmosphere. The finish line is at the city hall square in San Miguel de Cozumel, where local residents provide support to all finishers like they were seasoned veterans of IRONMAN spectating.